Complete Pre-Death Planning Checklist for North Carolina Families

Being Prepared Is an Act of Love for Your Family

Death planning might seem morbid, but it is actually deeply loving. When you organize your affairs before death, you are giving your family an enormous gift: clarity, reduced stress, and a clear map to follow during their most difficult time.

This checklist brings together everything from our pre-need planning guides: healthcare directives, financial organization, beneficiary designations, funeral arrangements, and family communication. It is comprehensive, but not every item will apply to your situation.

Work through this checklist while you still have time and capacity. You do not have to complete everything at once. But checking these items off, one by one, transforms your preparation from vague worry into concrete action.

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Legal Documents Section: Creating Your Estate Plan

These documents provide legal foundation for everything else.

Will: The Cornerstone

Why Needed: Your will specifies who inherits your property and names your executor to manage the estate.

NC Requirements: Will must be signed by you and two witnesses (NCGS 28A-2-502). Handwritten (holographic) wills are valid in NC if entirely in your handwriting.

Action Items:

• [ ] Create or update will with attorney or online service
• [ ] Ensure executor understands their role
• [ ] Store original in safe location (safe deposit box or attorney’s office)
• [ ] Give copy to executor and attorney

Timeline: Create while you have capacity; review every 5 years or after major life change.

Cost: DIY templates $20-100; attorney-drafted $300-1,000; online services like LegalZoom $100-300.

Action: Schedule appointment with attorney or use online will service this month.

Healthcare Power of Attorney

Why Needed: Names someone to make healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated.

NC Requirements: Written document, signed by you, witnessed by two adults or notarized (NCGS 32A-16).

Action Items:

• [ ] Designate trusted healthcare agent
• [ ] Have explicit conversation with agent about your values
• [ ] Create healthcare POA document
• [ ] Give copies to agent, primary care doctor, and attorney
• [ ] Discuss with family who your agent is

Timeline: Create before need; review annually to ensure agent is still appropriate.

Cost: DIY template $0-100; attorney-drafted $200-400.

Action: Talk to potential agent this week; create document within month.

Advance Directive (Living Will)

Why Needed: Documents your healthcare wishes if you become unable to communicate (CPR, feeding tubes, pain management, organ donation, etc.).

NC Requirements: Written document, signed by you, witnessed by two adults or notarized (NCGS 32A).

Action Items:

• [ ] Reflect on your healthcare values
• [ ] Use official NC form or attorney template
• [ ] Document specific wishes about CPR, artificial nutrition, pain management, organ donation, palliative care
• [ ] Have witnessed or notarized
• [ ] Give copies to healthcare agent, primary care doctor, and hospital
• [ ] Discuss wishes with family

Timeline: Create while healthy; update if wishes change.

Cost: Official form free; attorney-drafted $0-500.

Action: Download NC advance directive form this week; complete within two weeks.

MOST Form (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment)

Why Needed: Translates advance directive wishes into specific medical orders that emergency responders immediately recognize.

NC Requirements: Signed by you and physician (NCGS 32A-25.1).

When Appropriate: For people with serious illness with limited prognosis (months to couple years).

Action Items:

• [ ] If seriously ill, discuss MOST form with your doctor
• [ ] Have conversation about your goals of care
• [ ] Complete MOST form with physician input
• [ ] Both you and physician sign
• [ ] Distribute copies to hospital, hospice, primary care doctor, emergency contact
• [ ] Keep copy accessible (e.g., on refrigerator if at home)

Timeline: Complete if prognosis becomes limited; can update if health status changes.

Cost: Usually free or minimal cost through healthcare provider.

Action: If seriously ill, bring up MOST form at next doctor appointment.

Revocable Living Trust (Optional)

Why Needed: Avoids probate; provides privacy; allows management if you become incapacitated.

When Valuable: If you have significant assets ($500,000+) or concerned about probate costs.

Action Items:

• [ ] Decide if trust is appropriate for your situation
• [ ] Create trust document with attorney
• [ ] Transfer assets into trust (house, bank accounts, investments)
• [ ] Name successor trustee to manage after you
• [ ] Fund the trust completely

Timeline: Create before incapacity if you choose to; transfer assets before death.

Cost: Attorney-drafted $800-2,000; DIY template $50-200.

Action: Consult with attorney to determine if trust is right for you.

Financial Power of Attorney

Why Needed: Designates someone to manage finances if you become incapacitated.

NC Requirements: Written document, signed by you, witnessed or notarized (NCGS 32C).

Action Items:

• [ ] Designate trusted financial agent
• [ ] Discuss scope of authority with agent
• [ ] Create financial POA document
• [ ] Provide copies to agent and financial institutions
• [ ] Discuss with family

Timeline: Create while able to communicate; update if agent changes.

Cost: DIY template $0-100; attorney-drafted $200-400.

Action: Create financial POA simultaneously with healthcare POA.

Regular Review Schedule

• [ ] Review all legal documents every 3-5 years minimum
• [ ] Update after major life changes: marriage, divorce, significant wealth change, birth of child, death of beneficiary
• [ ] Keep documents in current, accessible location
• [ ] Ensure executor and agents know where documents are stored

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Financial Account Organization Section: Creating Order From Chaos

Create Master Account Inventory

What to Include: All banking, investment, retirement, insurance, property, digital accounts.

Action Items:

• [ ] List all bank accounts (checking, savings, money market, CDs)
• [ ] List all investment accounts (brokerage, mutual funds, individual stocks)
• [ ] List all retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k), 403(b), pension)
• [ ] List all insurance (life, homeowner, auto, health, long-term care)
• [ ] List all real estate (primary home, rental property, land)
• [ ] List all vehicles
• [ ] List all digital assets (online banking, PayPal, Venmo, cryptocurrency)
• [ ] For each account: name, institution, account number, balance, beneficiary, contact info
• [ ] Organize accounts by category (Banking, Investment, Retirement, Insurance, Property, Digital)
• [ ] Create spreadsheet with all information
• [ ] Store in cloud (primary) with local backup copy

Timeline: Complete initial inventory within 3 months; update annually.

Cost: Free (if you do yourself using spreadsheet).

Action: Start inventory this week; set deadline of 3 months for completion.

Review and Update Beneficiary Designations

Action Items:

• [ ] Request current beneficiary information from each institution
• [ ] Check for outdated or incorrect beneficiaries
• [ ] Update any beneficiaries who are deceased
• [ ] Ensure no ex-spouse is listed (unless intentional)
• [ ] Add contingent beneficiaries for all accounts
• [ ] Ensure primary and contingent beneficiaries are clearly identified
• [ ] Verify designations align with your overall estate plan (will/trust)
• [ ] Keep documentation of all beneficiary designations in master file

Accounts That Typically Allow Beneficiary Designation:

• IRAs
• 401(k)s
• Life insurance policies
• Annuities
• Some bank accounts (Payable-on-Death)
• Some investment accounts (Transfer-on-Death)
• Real property in NC (Transfer-on-Death deed, NCGS 39-13.3)

Timeline: Complete update within 6 months; review every 3-5 years.

Cost: Usually free to update with institutions.

Action: Call one institution per week to request beneficiary forms.

Transfer-on-Death Deed for Real Property

Action Items:

• [ ] Determine if you own real property in NC
• [ ] Research TOD deed option (NCGS 39-13.3)
• [ ] Consult with attorney or real estate professional
• [ ] Create and register TOD deed with county register
• [ ] File with county clerk
• [ ] Keep copy with property deeds

Benefits: Property passes to beneficiary without probate; avoids court delays and costs.

Timeline: Set up while healthy; can update anytime.

Cost: Attorney-assisted $300-500; DIY form $0-50 plus small filing fee.

Action: Research TOD deed option for your county.

Organize Physical Documents

Action Items:

• [ ] Collect recent statements for all accounts
• [ ] Organize statements by account type
• [ ] Create secure storage location (safe deposit box, home safe, locked cabinet)
• [ ] Store original deeds, titles, insurance policies in secure location
• [ ] Create digital copies of important documents
• [ ] Back up digital copies in cloud storage
• [ ] Label all documents clearly
• [ ] Update storage location if moved

Timeline: Complete organization within 3 months; update annually.

Cost: Safe deposit box typically $15-50/year.

Action: Designate storage location this week; begin organizing documents.

Document Bills and Recurring Expenses

Action Items:

• [ ] List all monthly bills and recurring expenses
• [ ] Record amount, due date, payment method for each
• [ ] Document creditor name, account number, contact information
• [ ] Note consequences of missed payments
• [ ] Organize bills by category (utilities, insurance, loans, subscriptions)
• [ ] Share bill documentation with executor or financial agent
• [ ] Set up automatic payments where appropriate

Timeline: Complete within 1 month; review quarterly.

Cost: Free if you use spreadsheet.

Action: Create bill list this week.

Digital Asset Organization

Action Items:

• [ ] Document all email accounts
• [ ] Document all online banking accounts
• [ ] Document all payment service accounts (PayPal, Venmo, Cash App)
• [ ] Document cryptocurrency wallets (with recovery words stored securely)
• [ ] Document social media accounts
• [ ] Document subscription services
• [ ] Use password manager (1Password, LastPass) to store passwords securely
• [ ] Set up emergency access for trusted person
• [ ] Document what should happen to digital accounts after death
• [ ] Consider digital legacy wishes (memorial vs. memorial vs. deletion)

Timeline: Complete within 2 months.

Cost: Password manager typically $30-60/year (optional; can use other methods).

Action: Create digital asset list this week.

Estate Settlement Financial Preparation

Action Items:

• [ ] Estimate total estate value
• [ ] Anticipate potential estate costs (funeral, attorney fees, taxes)
• [ ] Consider whether estate might need to liquidate assets to pay costs
• [ ] Discuss with potential executor (can they access funds if needed?)
• [ ] Ensure assets are positioned to pay estate costs

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Property and Real Estate Planning Section

Real Property Inventory

Action Items:

• [ ] List all property owned (primary home, rental property, land)
• [ ] Record address and legal description
• [ ] Obtain copy of deed
• [ ] Note outstanding mortgages or liens
• [ ] Estimate current property value
• [ ] Store deeds in secure location
• [ ] Create digital copies of deeds
• [ ] Designate who should handle property after death (sell, keep, rent)

Timeline: Complete within 2 months.

Cost: Deed copies usually $5-15 per copy.

Action: Request copies of deeds from county register.

Mortgage and Lien Documentation

Action Items:

• [ ] Record current mortgage balance
• [ ] Document lender name, account number, contact information
• [ ] Record interest rate and monthly payment
• [ ] Note mortgage term (remaining years)
• [ ] Document any other liens (home equity loan, etc.)
• [ ] Plan how mortgage will be paid off (life insurance, home sale, etc.)
• [ ] Communicate plan to executor

Timeline: Complete within 1 month.

Cost: Free.

Action: Gather mortgage statements this week.

Transfer-on-Death Deed Filing

Action Items:

• [ ] Confirm eligible for TOD deed (NC real property)
• [ ] Create TOD deed with attorney or form
• [ ] Have deed notarized if required
• [ ] Register with county register of deeds
• [ ] Pay filing fee
• [ ] Keep copy of filed deed with property documents
• [ ] Update if beneficiary changes

Timeline: Complete within 3-6 months.

Cost: Attorney-assisted $300-500; DIY $0-50 plus filing fee.

Action: Contact county register to ask about TOD deed process.

Property Maintenance and Handling Instructions

Action Items:

• [ ] Document ongoing maintenance needs
• [ ] Record name of property manager (if rented property)
• [ ] Document repair contractors and contacts
• [ ] List utilities and account numbers
• [ ] Estimate ongoing expenses
• [ ] Write instructions on whether property should be sold or kept
• [ ] Timeline for decisions about property
• [ ] Note any sentimental value

Timeline: Complete within 1 month; review annually.

Cost: Free.

Action: Write instructions for executor handling.

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Insurance Review and Planning Section

Life Insurance Coverage

Action Items:

• [ ] Determine if you need life insurance (dependents, debts, final costs)
• [ ] If insured, locate all life insurance policies
• [ ] Record policy numbers, issuing company, coverage amounts
• [ ] Review current beneficiary designations
• [ ] Update outdated beneficiaries
• [ ] Ensure coverage amount is adequate
• [ ] Consider whether current coverage meets needs
• [ ] Discuss with insurance agent
• [ ] Store policy copies in secure location

Timeline: Complete review within 2 months; update annually.

Cost: Varies by coverage; consult with insurance agent.

Action: Contact insurance companies to confirm current beneficiaries.

Homeowner’s Insurance

Action Items:

• [ ] Verify adequate coverage for home replacement
• [ ] Review current coverage and deductible
• [ ] Update home value if home has been improved
• [ ] Document insurance company, policy number, contact information
• [ ] Keep policy documents in accessible location
• [ ] Understand what homeowner’s insurance covers
• [ ] Discuss coverage with executor

Timeline: Review annually.

Cost: Insurance premiums; varies by home value and coverage.

Action: Review homeowner’s insurance policy this month.

Auto Insurance

Action Items:

• [ ] Document auto insurance coverage
• [ ] Record policy number, company, contact information
• [ ] Review liability and collision coverage
• [ ] Understand how auto insurance continues for family after death
• [ ] Document which vehicles are covered
• [ ] Inform executor of insurance coverage

Timeline: Review annually.

Cost: Insurance premiums.

Action: Check auto insurance policy this week.

Health Insurance and Continuation Planning

Action Items:

• [ ] Document current health insurance
• [ ] Understand COBRA continuation (18-36 months after death)
• [ ] Research ACA marketplace options for family
• [ ] Investigate spouse’s employer insurance options
• [ ] Plan how family health insurance will continue
• [ ] Discuss with family members

Timeline: Plan within 1 month.

Cost: COBRA and marketplace premiums vary.

Action: Research COBRA options if family relies on your health insurance.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Action Items:

• [ ] Assess need for long-term care insurance
• [ ] Research available options and costs
• [ ] Consider financial impact of long-term care needs
• [ ] Purchase policy if appropriate
• [ ] If insured, document policy details
• [ ] Understand coverage and exclusions

Timeline: Purchase while healthy if desired.

Cost: Varies widely; consult insurance agent.

Action: Discuss long-term care insurance with insurance agent.

Policy Documentation and Accessibility

Action Items:

• [ ] Locate all insurance policies (life, home, auto, health, long-term care)
• [ ] Make copies of policy documents
• [ ] Store originals in secure location
• [ ] Store copies in accessible location
• [ ] Document all policy numbers and company contacts
• [ ] Ensure executor knows where policies are stored
• [ ] Update annually

Timeline: Complete organization within 2 months.

Cost: Free.

Action: Gather all insurance policies this month.

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Healthcare and Medical Planning Section

Medical Records Summary

Action Items:

• [ ] Compile list of significant medical conditions
• [ ] Document major surgeries and treatments
• [ ] Compile list of all current medications and dosages
• [ ] Document all allergies (medication, food, environmental)
• [ ] List healthcare providers (primary care, specialists, dentist, eye care)
• [ ] Record provider names, phone numbers, addresses
• [ ] Share medical summary with primary care doctor
• [ ] Include in advance directive or medical records
• [ ] Keep copy with medical documents

Timeline: Complete within 1 month; update quarterly.

Cost: Free.

Action: Create medication list this week; share with doctor.

Current Medications List

Action Items:

• [ ] Document every prescription medication (name, dosage, frequency)
• [ ] Document over-the-counter medications (daily use)
• [ ] Document supplements and vitamins
• [ ] Update list quarterly or whenever medications change
• [ ] Include dosage and frequency for each
• [ ] Note side effects or warnings
• [ ] Keep list with medical documents
• [ ] Share with healthcare providers
• [ ] Share with family members who might need to know

Timeline: Maintain current list; update when medications change.

Cost: Free.

Action: Create current medication list this week.

Healthcare Provider Contact Information

Action Items:

• [ ] Primary care doctor: name, office phone, address, website
• [ ] All specialists: cardiologist, oncologist, orthopedist, neurologist, etc.
• [ ] Dentist and eye care provider
• [ ] Pharmacy name and phone number
• [ ] Hospital preference (if you have one)
• [ ] Urgency care or emergency room location
• [ ] Healthcare insurance company contact
• [ ] Compile all in one document
• [ ] Share with family and executor

Timeline: Complete within 1 month; update if providers change.

Cost: Free.

Action: Create healthcare provider list this week.

Healthcare Preferences Documentation

Action Items:

• [ ] Document hospital preference (if you have one)
• [ ] Note any special healthcare preferences
• [ ] Document philosophical or religious healthcare preferences (natural vs. conventional medicine)
• [ ] Document any special needs or accessibility requirements
• [ ] Discuss with primary care doctor
• [ ] Share with healthcare agent and family

Timeline: Document within 1 month.

Cost: Free.

Action: Think about healthcare preferences; document and discuss with doctor.

Organ Donation Registration

Action Items:

• [ ] Decide whether you want to donate organs
• [ ] Register choice with NC DMV (if donating)
• [ ] Document specific organs (all organs vs. specific organs only)
• [ ] Document any restrictions on donation
• [ ] Inform family of your choice
• [ ] Include in advance directive
• [ ] Wear medical alert bracelet or carry card indicating donation status

Timeline: Register within 1 month.

Cost: Free (DMV registration).

Action: Visit NC DMV website to register organ donation choice.

Burial or Cremation Preference

Action Items:

• [ ] Make clear choice: burial or cremation
• [ ] Document preference in writing (will, prepaid plan, letter to family)
• [ ] Consider cost of preference
• [ ] If burial: decide on cemetery, grave type, headstone
• [ ] If cremation: decide on disposition of ashes (burial, scattering, etc.)
• [ ] Document religious or cultural requirements
• [ ] Discuss with family
• [ ] Document location of preference documentation

Timeline: Decide and document within 2 months.

Cost: Varies widely; funeral home can provide estimates.

Action: Research funeral and cremation options this month.

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Funeral and Final Arrangements Section

Pre-Need Funeral Planning

Action Items:

• [ ] Meet with funeral director (or two; compare options)
• [ ] Discuss funeral service preferences (traditional, memorial, celebration of life, etc.)
• [ ] Estimate costs and discuss budget
• [ ] Decide on casket vs. cremation costs
• [ ] Plan service details (location, officiant, music, flowers, reception)
• [ ] Document preferences in writing
• [ ] Consider prepaying if you want to lock in costs
• [ ] Share plans with family

Timeline: Complete planning within 3 months.

Cost: Varies; funeral home will provide estimates.

Action: Schedule appointment with local funeral home this month.

Obituary Preparation

Action Items:

• [ ] Write biographical summary (birth, education, career, achievements)
• [ ] List surviving family members
• [ ] Include information about hobbies, interests, accomplishments
• [ ] Draft obituary text (2-4 paragraphs typical)
• [ ] Have family review for accuracy
• [ ] Discuss where obituary should be published (newspaper, online, both)
• [ ] Note funeral home can assist with publication
• [ ] Store draft with funeral plans

Timeline: Draft within 2 months.

Cost: Newspaper publication typically $200-500 (optional).

Action: Write biography and draft obituary this month.

Funeral Cost Planning

Action Items:

• [ ] Estimate total funeral and final expenses (casket, service, cemetery, headstone)
• [ ] Typical range: $4,000-15,000 depending on choices
• [ ] Determine how funeral will be paid (life insurance, savings, family)
• [ ] Discuss with family
• [ ] Consider whether to prepay
• [ ] Document plan in will or funeral arrangement document

Timeline: Complete planning within 2 months.

Cost: Varies widely; get quotes.

Action: Get funeral cost estimates this month.

Prepaid Funeral Planning (Optional)

Action Items:

• [ ] Decide whether to prepay for funeral
• [ ] Compare prepaid funeral providers
• [ ] Review what is included in prepaid plan
• [ ] Ensure portability if you move
• [ ] Store prepaid plan documentation
• [ ] Inform family where prepaid plan is documented
• [ ] Understand refund policies

Timeline: Complete if you choose to prepay; otherwise skip.

Cost: Depends on plan; can range $2,000-10,000.

Action: Research prepaid funeral options if interested.

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Business Succession Planning Section (If Applicable)

Skip this section if you do not own a business.

Business Structure Documentation

Action Items:

• [ ] Document business structure (S-corp, C-corp, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship)
• [ ] Record ownership percentage
• [ ] List other business owners
• [ ] Understand your ownership stake value
• [ ] Document all business assets

Timeline: Complete within 1 month.

Cost: Free.

Action: Gather business documents this month.

Succession Plan Creation

Action Items:

• [ ] Decide what happens to business if you die or become incapacitated
• [ ] Options: family member takes over, co-owner buys out, business sells, business liquidates
• [ ] Document succession plan clearly
• [ ] Communicate plan to intended successor; ensure willingness
• [ ] Include succession plan in overall estate plan
• [ ] Update if circumstances change

Timeline: Complete plan within 2 months.

Cost: Free if you create yourself; attorney cost $500-1,500 if complex.

Action: Think about succession and document plan.

Buy-Sell Agreement (If Multi-Owner Business)

Action Items:

• [ ] Create buy-sell agreement with other business owners
• [ ] Specify purchase price (formula or appraisal method)
• [ ] Specify payment terms and timeline
• [ ] Determine how purchase is funded (life insurance, cash, etc.)
• [ ] Ensure adequate life insurance to fund buyout
• [ ] Have agreement reviewed by attorney
• [ ] All owners sign agreement
• [ ] Keep copy of agreement with business documents

Timeline: Complete within 3-6 months if business is multi-owner.

Cost: Attorney typically $500-2,000 for agreement.

Action: Discuss with other business owners this month.

Key Person Insurance

Action Items:

• [ ] Determine if key person insurance is appropriate
• [ ] Estimate business value without you
• [ ] Calculate insurance amount needed
• [ ] Purchase key person life insurance if appropriate
• [ ] Business is typically beneficiary
• [ ] Policy funds business transition upon death
• [ ] Update coverage if business value increases
• [ ] Include in business planning documentation

Timeline: Complete within 3 months.

Cost: Varies; consult insurance agent.

Action: Discuss key person insurance with insurance agent.

Business Documentation Storage

Action Items:

• [ ] Gather all business organizational documents (articles, bylaws, operating agreement)
• [ ] Compile current financial records (balance sheet, tax returns, P&L)
• [ ] Document customer/client information and key relationships
• [ ] Document vendor information and payment terms
• [ ] Store in secure location accessible to successor
• [ ] Ensure business succession person knows where documents are
• [ ] Include business documentation in overall estate plan

Timeline: Complete within 2 months.

Cost: Free.

Action: Organize business documents this month.

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Family Communication Section: The Crucial Conversations

Conversation 1: Healthcare Values Discussion

Action Items:

• [ ] Have explicit conversations with healthcare agent about your values
• [ ] Discuss what matters most to you: longevity, quality of life, avoiding pain, avoiding machines
• [ ] Walk through hypothetical scenarios: terminal cancer, stroke, dementia
• [ ] Ensure your agent understands your reasoning, not just your wishes
• [ ] Provide copy of advance directive
• [ ] Discuss MOST form (if applicable)

Timeline: Have conversation within 1 month of designating agent.

Cost: Free.

Action: Schedule conversation with healthcare agent this month.

Conversation 2: Financial Planning Discussion

Action Items:

• [ ] Discuss with financial agent (and potentially executor) where important documents are stored
• [ ] Review account inventory together
• [ ] Walk through bill payment process
• [ ] Discuss any unusual financial obligations
• [ ] Ensure financial agent understands their role
• [ ] Provide copies of financial power of attorney and will

Timeline: Have conversation within 1 month.

Cost: Free.

Action: Schedule conversation with financial agent this month.

Conversation 3: Funeral and Final Wishes Discussion

Action Items:

• [ ] Discuss funeral preferences with family
• [ ] Share written funeral plans
• [ ] Discuss budget comfort level
• [ ] Share obituary draft if written
• [ ] Discuss burial location preference
• [ ] Discuss any religious or cultural requirements
• [ ] Discuss whether you want large memorial or small gathering
• [ ] Ensure family knows where funeral plans are documented

Timeline: Have conversation within 2 months.

Cost: Free.

Action: Bring up topic at family dinner; have thoughtful discussion.

Conversation 4: Estate and Inheritance Discussion

Action Items:

• [ ] Discuss with adult children / family how estate will be divided
• [ ] Explain reasoning behind distribution decisions
• [ ] Clarify if any beneficiary designations override equal inheritance
• [ ] Discuss any challenges to family harmony (step-children, blended families)
• [ ] Ensure family knows who executor is and their role
• [ ] Discuss approximate timeline for estate settlement
• [ ] Address any concerns or questions family raises

Timeline: Have conversation within 3 months.

Cost: Free.

Action: Schedule family meeting to discuss estate plan.

Conversation 5: Emotional and Values Discussion

Action Items:

• [ ] Share your values and life philosophy with loved ones
• [ ] Discuss what has been meaningful to you
• [ ] Share important memories and stories
• [ ] Discuss any unfinished business
• [ ] Provide guidance on what matters most beyond financial inheritance
• [ ] Be vulnerable and authentic
• [ ] Listen to family response

Timeline: Ongoing; revisit periodically.

Cost: Free.

Action: Have heartfelt conversation with loved ones this month.

Where to Store Communication Summaries

Action Items:

• [ ] After conversations, document key points discussed
• [ ] Store notes with legal documents
• [ ] Share with executor and key family members
• [ ] Update if conversations change your wishes
• [ ] Include in letter to executor (personal communication)

Timeline: Document within 1 week of conversations.

Cost: Free.

Action: Write summary of conversations this week.

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Final Organization and Storage Section

Master Document Location

Action Items:

• [ ] Designate primary storage location for original documents (safe deposit box, attorney’s office, home safe)
• [ ] Keep backup copies in secondary location
• [ ] Create master file listing all documents and their locations
• [ ] Include file with all important documents:
  • Original will
  • Original healthcare POA
  • Original financial POA
  • Advance directive (multiple copies)
  • MOST form (if applicable)
  • Marriage license
  • Birth certificate
  • Trust documents (if applicable)
  • Property deeds
  • Insurance policies
• [ ] Label everything clearly
• [ ] Keep list of passwords (in secure location separate from documents)
• [ ] Ensure executor knows exactly where everything is stored

Timeline: Complete within 3 months.

Cost: Safe deposit box $15-50/year.

Action: Create master file this month.

Letter to Executor

Action Items:

• [ ] Write letter to executor with personal guidance
• [ ] Include location of all important documents
• [ ] Explain your wishes and values
• [ ] Provide contact information for professionals (attorney, accountant, insurance agent)
• [ ] Explain any special instructions or concerns
• [ ] Share your appreciation for their service
• [ ] Store with will and other documents
• [ ] Ensure executor knows letter exists

Timeline: Write within 2 months.

Cost: Free.

Action: Draft letter to executor this month.

Instructions for Digital Legacy

Action Items:

• [ ] Document what should happen to social media accounts
• [ ] Specify if profiles should become memorial or be deleted
• [ ] Document recovery email or phone for important accounts
• [ ] Specify who should have access to digital assets (photos, documents, email)
• [ ] Document wishes for online presence
• [ ] Consider digital legacy service (Facebook Memorial, Google Legacy Contacts)
• [ ] Store instructions with digital asset documentation

Timeline: Complete within 2 months.

Cost: Free (though some services charge).

Action: Research digital legacy options; document your wishes.

Access Instructions for Trusted Person

Action Items:

• [ ] Identify one or two trusted people (not necessarily executor)
• [ ] Provide them with:
  • Location of master file
  • Password to access master file (if digital)
  • Basic understanding of what documents exist
  • Who to contact if questions arise
• [ ] Ensure they understand their role: locate documents if you die or become incapacitated
• [ ] Give them permission to access your documents
• [ ] Store separate copy of master file with them (or in cloud accessible to them)

Timeline: Complete within 2 months.

Cost: Free.

Action: Select trusted person; provide them with access information.

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Annual Review and Maintenance

Annual Planning Review

Action Items:

• [ ] Review all documents annually (January 1 is good choice)
• [ ] Check if any wishes have changed
• [ ] Update any information that is outdated
• [ ] Verify executor is still appropriate
• [ ] Verify healthcare agent is still appropriate
• [ ] Update beneficiary designations if changed
• [ ] Update account inventory with current balances
• [ ] Review and pay safe deposit box fee (if used)

Timeline: One hour per year; set annual reminder.

Cost: Minimal; time investment.

Action: Set January 1 reminder for annual review.

Update Triggers

Review and potentially update plans after:

• [ ] Marriage or remarriage
• [ ] Divorce
• [ ] Birth of child or grandchild
• [ ] Death of family member or beneficiary
• [ ] Significant change in wealth
• [ ] Retirement
• [ ] Serious health diagnosis
• [ ] Moving to different state
• [ ] Change in job or business status
• [ ] Significant change in relationship with family members

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Completion Checklist: Tracking Progress

Phase 1: Essential Documents (Complete Within 3 Months)

• [ ] Will created or updated
• [ ] Healthcare power of attorney created
• [ ] Advance directive created
• [ ] Financial power of attorney created
• [ ] Financial account inventory created
• [ ] Beneficiary designations reviewed and updated
• [ ] Master file created with all documents

Phase 2: Organization and Planning (Complete Within 6 Months)

• [ ] Physical documents organized in secure storage
• [ ] Digital copies created and backed up
• [ ] Bills and expenses documented
• [ ] Digital assets documented
• [ ] Real property organized (deeds, mortgages, TOD deeds)
• [ ] Insurance policies reviewed and organized
• [ ] Healthcare information compiled
• [ ] Funeral preferences documented

Phase 3: Communication (Complete Within 6 Months)

• [ ] Conversation with healthcare agent (values, wishes, role)
• [ ] Conversation with financial agent (documents, role, process)
• [ ] Conversation with executor (role, documents, process)
• [ ] Family discussion about funeral preferences
• [ ] Family discussion about estate and inheritance
• [ ] Letter to executor written
• [ ] Trusted person identified and given access information

Phase 4: Final Organization (Complete Within 9 Months)

• [ ] Master file completed with all document locations
• [ ] Letter to executor completed
• [ ] Digital legacy instructions documented
• [ ] Annual review schedule established
• [ ] Executor, agents, and family members know where everything is

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How Afterpath Helps

This pre-death planning checklist ensures that when your family faces the difficult time of settling your estate, they have clear direction and organized information. They will not have to search frantically for accounts, wonder about your wishes, or struggle with unclear decisions.

When your family eventually uses Afterpath to settle your estate, they will already have:

• Clear documentation of all accounts and assets
• Named executor and agents ready to act
• Organized physical and digital documents
• Understanding of your values and wishes
• All the legal groundwork in place

Your preparation transforms a potential crisis into a managed, dignified process.

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Key Takeaways

• Pre-death planning is an act of love for your family, not morbid preparation
• Complete essential legal documents first (will, healthcare POA, advance directive, financial POA)
• Organize financial accounts comprehensively (inventory, beneficiary designations, digital assets)
• Plan funeral arrangements and final wishes
• Have explicit conversations with agents, executor, and family
• Store all documents securely with backup copies
• Annual review keeps plans current as circumstances change
• Clear documentation transforms estate settlement from crisis to managed process

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Getting Started This Week

Pick just three items from this checklist to complete this week:

1. Legal: Schedule appointment with attorney or online service to create/update will
2. Financial: Create master account inventory spreadsheet
3. Communication: Schedule conversation with healthcare agent about values

That is it. Three things this week. Next week, pick three more. Within three months, you will have essential groundwork in place. Within nine months, you will have comprehensive pre-death planning complete.

Your family will be grateful you did this work.